MORE BLOGGERS THAN PROGRAMMERS
Mark’s new column is worth a read…
The best studies we can find say we are a nation of over 20 million bloggers, with 1.7 million profiting from the work, and 452,000 of those using blogging as their primary source of income. That’s almost 2 million Americans getting paid by the word, the post, or the click — whether on their site or someone else’s. And that’s nearly half a million of whom it can be said, as Bob Dylan did of Hurricane Carter: "It’s my work he’d say, I do it for pay."
Xero to $23m
Xero just raised $23.2m, again proving that great ideas secure great investors. What’s interesting is that they were able to attract the founder of traditional software maker in their space – MYOB – to invest. A massive endorsement of their strategy and product.
What is really amazing is that they have passed the 6000 customer number milestone, double the customer figure at December 2008. It also announced it had entered into a strategic partnership with Telstra in Australia.
I’m thrilled to be an advisor…
FREEMIUM
Chris has a great response to The Economist on free models. I’ve long argued that free often gets misread as literally free. (the comments are worth reading)
Every customer comes with a cost. Rather than pay to market to you and obtain revenue now, instead I choose little or no marketing or distribution cost, focusing instead on the belief that you will pay for the product later. These freemium models are all round us. Google is doing it with Picasa. Flickr with FlickrPro.
There are those that also believe that, if you believe, you will pay. CC Cleaner is a great example. Terrific free utility for Windows. You pay to support the product if you think it is worth it. And its worth it. They are essentially monetizing a percent of their customer base that has a conscience or real enthusiasm for what they are doing.
Also worth a read is this survey of free business models online. More links here….
Interesting Idea
I like this idea at One Kings Lane… aggressive sale based pricing in micro stores. Clever Idea…Nice design as well.
One Kings Lane is an invitation-required, online shopping destination featuring world-renowned home decor brands at exclusive prices (up to 70% off retail). From furniture to flatware, linens to lamps, One Kings Lane offers members privileged access to home furnishings of the highest quality at incredible value.
In addition to amazing deals, our members receive tips and inspiration from celebrated interior designers, event planners, chefs, and other industry experts.
A New Way Of Presenting
Prezi looks pretty cool – and definitely breaks the boundaries of the slide-to-slide format… Thanks to Daniel for the reco…
